THE HEALTH WORKER’S ATTITUDE TO THE USE ELECTRONIC HEALTH RECORDS ON QUALITY IMPROVEMENT OF HEALTH CARE WORKERS IN FEDERAL UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL OWERRI

Edith Ugochi Ekechukwu, C.C.N. Vincent, Nkiru Okoroafor, Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu*, Adanma Nwagwu Solomon, Anthonia Emesowum, Josephine Egbuchelem and Clementina Ezenwuba

ABSTRACT

This study explored the perception of the impacts and barriers (challenges) to the use of Electronic Health Records (EHR) on healthcare workers' quality improvement at FUTHO Owerri, Imo State. The research aimed to investigate five key objectives and test five hypotheses using a mixed-method design, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) was applied to guide the study. A cross-sectional descriptive design was used for the quantitative component, while a focus group discussion was conducted for qualitative insights. Data were analyzed using frequency counts, percentages, chi-square tests, and descriptive statistics, including ANOVA and regression analysis, with significance determined at the 5% level. Qualitative data were coded and analyzed using NVivo software to identify key themes and barriers related to EHR usage. Results indicated that healthcare workers had a positive attitude towards EHR use, recognizing its role in improving quality. The study recommended that hospital management focus on making quality improvement a reality by increasing the adoption of EHRs, emphasizing better training and support for healthcare workers

Keywords: health workers, attitude, health records, quality improvement